What Do the Different Regions of the Curve Indicate?
The graded dose-response curve can be divided into three major regions:
Sub-threshold Region: At lower doses, there is minimal to no observable response, indicating that the dose is below the threshold required to elicit a measurable effect. Linear or Log-Linear Region: As the dose increases, there is a proportional increase in response. This region is often used to calculate potency and for estimating the concentration at which a response is half-maximal, known as the EC50. Plateau Region: At higher doses, the response reaches a maximum level. Increasing the dose further does not increase the effect, indicating saturation of the biological system.
